Michael Sukkar (Deakin, Liberal Party, Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

Can I thank the shadow Assistant Treasurer for supporting the bill. He had supposedly a whole lot of concerns that he couldn't explain at the time, but with the benefit of hindsight he's now trying to rewrite history. But, nonetheless, I thank the way in which the shadow Assistant Treasurer and his office have engaged.

As I said at the time, it was never an intention of this bill, nor is it very arguable, that in its original form met the intentions that the government stated at the time. Having said that, there's nothing wrong with putting it beyond doubt and ensuring that senators, in particular, with specific concerns around vacant agricultural land and indeed properties affected by natural disasters, are made crystal clear in the bill. In that sense, I was very happy as minister to accede to their request, noting it was never the intention of the bill that it be done so. To put that beyond doubt, I think this is a very good outcome for the House.

I also want to thank the Centre Alliance, in particular, for some of their recommendations in relation to assisting small businesses in relation to one of the schedules. Again, we were very happy, as a government, to accede to sensible requests to clarify, make very clear, what was always the intention of the legislation. We therefore commend the bill and the amendments.

Question agreed to.

Bill, as amended, agreed to.

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